4. It's a laugh

A slapstick episode in March saw mum Charity Dingle and daughter Debbie, “borrow” a car and accidentally knock someone over.

They stick the chap in the boot to take him to hospital, but after a series of unfortunate events they abandon it.

The car’s owner Lawrence White is then arrested for kidnap when cops find the bloke in the boot. It’s the sort of daft misunderstanding no other show could get away with.

5. Its acting is fab

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Emmerdale strikes a great balance between soap and real life — largely thanks to the nuanced performances of its actorsCredit: ITV

UNLIKE the OTT misery of EastEnders and the Street’s Northerner caricatures, Emmerdale strikes the right balance between soap-light and real life — largely thanks to the nuanced performances of its actors.

Long-standing cast member Charlotte Bellamy won TV Choice’s best actress gong for her convincing and moving turn as Ashley’s wife Laurel.

And Ryan Hawley won best actor for his portrayal of Robert Sugden.

Since his 2014 debut he has had an affair with Aaron Livesy, covered up Katie Sugden’s killing and even been shot by Ross Barton. Phew.

6. It's passionate

ROBRON fans might still be in mourning over the collapse of Robert and Aaron’s doomed affair but their passionate relationship certainly isn’t the first to set the Dales alight.

Last year hunky Andy Sugden, played by Kelvin Fletcher, and Chrissie White (Louise Marwood) had sex in a barn, right, giving viewers a glimpse of Kelvin’s chiselled chest.

A snog between Moira Barton (Natalie Robb) and her nephew Pete (Anthony Quinlan) was less welcome.

Viewers tweeted their horror when the pair later discussed how the kiss had led them into bed. Ewwww!

7. It has big twists

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Last year teenage character Holly Barton died from a heroin overdose and was discovered in her bed by heartbroken mum MoiraCredit: ITV

WHEN it comes to sudden shocks, Emmerdale has every other soap beaten.

Its writers are unafraid to upset viewers with unexpected deaths, which is why it’s consistently so gripping.

Last year teenager Holly Barton died from a heroin overdose and was discovered in her bed by heartbroken mum Moira.

Viewers poured out their hearts on social media after the moving scenes but it is not the first time writers have used this trick.

Tess Harris and Val Pollard’s surprise deaths also shook viewers. Take that, Game of Thrones.

8. It has superfans

EMMERDALE enthusiasts are the most vocal of the soap super-fans, sending social media into a frenzy every time a controversial storyline breaks or a twist shocks them at teatime.

The soap pays them back by treating them to backstage videos, and Q&A sessions with writers, cast members, directors and even producer Iain MacLeod.

On Twitter, @TheEmmerdaily has 13.7k followers, while @WeLoveEmmerdalehas 12.4k. Memes with the hashtag #robron (an abbreviation for Robert Sugden and Aaron Livesy’s gay romance) are posted daily.

9. Its sex factor

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The cast is known for being ridiculously hot male and female stars including Natalie Robb who plays MoiraCredit: Andrew Boyce

With female talent this gorgeous, Emmerdale is way ahead of its rivals.

All have moved on, but today’s generation is just as hot. Strictly newbie Gemma Atkinson has just finished on the soap, while Charley Webb, Natalie Robb, above, and Fiona Wade are among the show’s current hotties.

10. Its stellar cast

WHAT makes Emmerdale the Imperial Leather of our current soaps is its commitment to a strong ensemble cast.

All storylines are shared and varied between characters — such as Ashley’s tragic dementia battle this year, which united the village — and no-one holds the centre stage exclusively.

And quite aside from the fact that it recruits the best of other soaps’ stars — such as Hollyoaks’s Anthony Quinlan, above with Fiona Wade, and Gemma Atkinson — it also launches the careers of many actors.

Did we mention Jenna Coleman?

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A number of the Emmerdale cast with their awards at the 2017 TV Choice Awards last nightCredit: Twitter